AU2021102685A4

AU2021102685A4 - Wetsuit or life jacket with back protection

Info

Publication number: AU2021102685A4
Application number: AU2021102685A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Darren Attard; Vincent Ryan
Original assignee: JPI Pty Ltd
Current assignee: JPI Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-19
Filing date: 2021-05-19
Publication date: 2021-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-19
Also published as: JP3238316U

Abstract

A wetsuit (30) or a life jacket, the wetsuit (30) or life jacket having a front portion (32) that lies adjacent a chest of a wearer during use and a back portion (34) that lies adjacent a back of the wearer during use, wherein a spinal protection member or device (36) is attached to or carried by the back portion (34) of the wetsuit or life jacket. 1/7 16 12 18 20 14 16 FIGURE I

Description

1/7

16

12

18

14

16

FIGURE I TITLE

Wetsuit or life jacket with back protection

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a wetsuit or a life jacket with back protection.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Personal water craft, such as Kawasaki jet skis, are widely used in both recreational and competitive environments. Personal watercraft can have quite powerful engines and can attain high speeds as a result. In order to improve user safety, uses of personal watercraft will typically wear a life jacket to provide buoyancy in the case that the user falls from the watercraft. It is also becoming more commonplace for users to wear helmets whilst riding personal watercraft. Users can also get very wet when riding personal watercraft due to spray from the watercraft, wave action and spray from other watercraft or boats. As a result, a number of users of personal watercraft also wear a wetsuit when writing the watercraft, especially in regions of cold water. These comments also apply to users of other watercraft, whether powered or unpowered.

[0003] The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) is the worldwide sanctioning body for personal watercraft competitive racing. IJSBA is responsible for the rules which govern the sanction, organization and conduct of sanctioned events; the standards for eligibility and conduct of competition and officials; the regulations for eligibility and preparation of watercraft; and the rules for annual series of events around the world. IJSBA regulations for safety include the following:

[0004] 6.7.4 Back protection is mandatory for all Ski competitors with the exception of Freestyle. All Ski competitors shall be required to wear a spinal column protection device capable of distributing, diffusing, or absorbing impact. Protection devices may be rigid or soft material capable of absorbing and distributing an impact sufficient to reduce injury. Devices must not be capable of absorbing water. Where there is doubt that the device covers the required area of the spinal column, the following measurement shall be used: "No greater distance shall be allowed than two inches below a horizontal line between the top of both shoulders and no less distance shall be allowed than three inches below a horizontal line between both hips. The Race Director shall have final determination of whether the back protection used by a rider is adequate. Back protection, protective footwear and eye protection are recommended for all riders in all competition events.

[0005] Other events or other categories are sanctioned by different bodies and operate under different rules. For example, Aquabike is run on different Rules which the UIM publish and insure against. These rules can be found at:

https://p laquax.com/P1-AquaX-Rule-Book

https://www.uim.sport/Documents/Document/2021%/2OAquabike%/20Rulebook%/20 %20Published%2 0 on%2022.12.20.pdf

https://www.aquabike.net

https://www.uim.sport/Documents.aspx?type=1

https://plaquax.com

https://www.p ljetcross.com

[0006] In order to meet safety requirements, riders in competitive events will typically wear a back brace. An example of a back brace frequently worn by competitors to meet IJSBA safety regulations is shown in figure 1 and sold under the name Jetpilot Protech Back Brace. This safety device comprises a harness arrangement having shoulder straps 10, 12 and a waist strap 14 that are connected to a foam backing 16 that has a series of hard plates, some of which are numbered at 18, 20, mounted thereto. Each lower hard plate has a projecting portion that extends upwardly and underlies the immediately above hard plate. The hard plates can move relative to one another to enable the wearer to bend forwardly and provide a degree of comfort. The hard plates act to deflect any hard impacts that could cause injury to the spine of the rider.

[0007] Although the back brace shown in figure 1 provides effective spinal protection, it can be uncomfortable and the straps can move off the shoulders during use. If the back brace is being used in a competitive race, movement of the straps at high speed can distract the rider.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a wetsuit or a life jacket, which may at least

-Y

partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a wetsuit or a life jacket, the wetsuit or life jacket having a front portion that lies adjacent a chest of a wearer during use and a back portion that lies adjacent a back of the wearer during use, wherein a spinal protection member or device is attached to or carried by the back portion of the wetsuit or life jacket.

[0011] In one embodiment, the spinal protection member or device is fixedly attached to the back portion. In one embodiment, the spinal protection member or device is sewn to the back portion. In another embodiment, glue or an adhesive is used to fixedly attach the spinal protection member or device to the wetsuit or life jacket. In another embodiment, the spinal protection device or member is ultrasonically welded or heat welded to the wetsuit or life jacket.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spinal protection member or device is removably attached to the back portion. In one embodiment, the back portion includes a pouch or pocket and the spinal protection member or device is received in the pouch or pocket. The pouch or pocket may be provided with a closure to selectively open and close an opening to the pouch or pocket. In one embodiment, the closure comprises a zipper. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a flap. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a hook and loop closure, such as Velcro. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a magnetic closure. In another embodiment, the closure comprises one or more clips, or one or more clasps, or one or more buttons. Other closures may also be used.

[0013] In one embodiment, the pouch or pocket comprises an internal pouch or pocket. In another embodiment, the pouch or pocket comprises an external pouch or pocket. In one embodiment, the pouch or pocket comprises an external pouch pocket that is accessible via an opening in an interior portion of the wetsuit or life jacket. In another embodiment, the pouch or pocket comprises an external pouch or pocket that is accessible via an external opening.

[0014] In one embodiment, the spinal protection device or member comprises a flexible or resilient foam. The flexible or resilient foam may comprise a closed cell foam that does not absorb water. The flexible or resilient foam may comprise EVA foam or EVA impact foam. Other foams may be used. The foam may comprise a polyurethane foam or an elastomeric foam. The foam may comprise a flexible and resilient foam.

[0015] The foam may comprise a sheet of foam or a pad of foam. The sheet of foam or pad

-r

of foam may have a thickness of from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 30 mm. The sheet of foam or pad of foam may be rated for spinal protection.

[0016] In another embodiment, the spinal protection device or member comprises one or more sheets or pads of material having impact absorbing properties. In one embodiment, the spinal protection device or member comprises one or more sheets or pads of elastomeric material. Any natural or synthetic rubber having desirable impact absorbing properties may be used.

[0017] In one embodiment, the spinal protection device or member is sized to fit inside the pouch or pocket. In one embodiment, the spinal protection device or member is flexible or bendable so that it can be deformed to enable it to be positioned in the pouch or pocket and then brought back or allowed to return to its original shape to fit within the pouch or pocket. In one embodiment, the spinal protection device or member fits snugly within the pouch or pocket.

[0018] In one embodiment, the spinal protection device or member comprises a rigid plate. In another embodiment, the spinal protection device or member comprises a plurality of rigid plates located adjacent to each other. In one embodiment, an upwardly projecting portion of a lower rigid plate underlies at least part of an upper plate. In one embodiment, the rigid plate or the plurality of rigid plates are attached to a backing member. The backing member may comprise a foam member or a sheet of foam or a foam pad. In one embodiment, the rigid plate or the plurality of rigid plates are attached directly to the back portion of the wetsuit or the life jacket. In another embodiment, the rigid plate or the plurality of rigid plates are attached to the backing member and the backing member is attached to the back portion of the wetsuit or life jacket. In another embodiment, the rigid plate or the plurality of rigid plates are removably positioned inside a pouch or pocket, or the rigid plate or the plurality of rigid plates mounted to the backing member are positioned inside the pouch or pocket.

[0019] The shape and size of the spinal protection device or member may vary, with the only requirements for the size and shape being that the spinal protection device or member has sufficient length and sufficient width to cover the region of the spine that is to be protected. In some embodiments, the spinal protection device or member has a wider portion below a horizontal centre thereof. In other embodiments, the spinal protection device or member has a wider portion above the horizontal centre thereof. In other embodiments, the spinal protection device has a generally similar width along its vertical extent. It will be appreciated that the specific size and shape of the spinal protection device as described above should not be considered to be limiting.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pouch is formed by sewing or joining a sheet of material to an exterior surface of the back portion of the wetsuit or life jacket. In one embodiment, the sheet of material allows water to drain therethrough. In this manner, the pouch or pocket does not collect or hold water, which could otherwise increase the weight of the wetsuit or life jacket and decreased buoyancy of the wetsuit or life jacket. In one embodiment, the sheet of material comprises a sheet of mesh. In one embodiment, the sheet of material comprises a flexible mesh sheet. The sheet of flexible mesh material may comprise a sheet of flexible nylon mesh. In another embodiment, the sheet of material comprises a perforated sheet of material or a foraminous sheet of material. The sheet of material is suitably flexible or stretchable.

[0021] In embodiments where the wetsuit or lifejacket comprises a pouch or pocket, the pouch or pocket may include a portion located externally to the wetsuit. In another embodiment, the pouch or pocket is covered by at least part of the wetsuit. In another embodiment, the pouch or pocket may be covered by one or more external flaps attached to the wetsuit or lifejacket. The one or more external flaps may comprise two or more external flaps that can be moved to cover the pouch or pocket and then the two or more flaps are closed together using one or more closures, such as one or more zippers or using any other suitable closure, such as hook and loop closure, magnetic closures, buttons, clips, clasps or the like.

[0022] In one embodiment, the spinal protection device or member in the wetsuit a lifejacket extends to no less than 50 mm below a shoulder line of on wearer and extends at least 75 mm below a horizontal line between both hips of wearer. It will be appreciated that people who wear the wetsuit or lifejacket of the present invention will come in a variety of different sizes and the lifejacket or wetsuit is likely to be provided in a variety of different sizes. Therefore, the actual dimensions of the spinal protection device or member can vary, with the spinal protection device or member being of a large size when fitted to larger wetsuits or lifejackets.

[0023] In one embodiment, the wetsuit or lifejacket of the present invention comprises a wetsuit. The wetsuit may comprise a wetsuit john having legs but being essentially sleeveless. The wetsuit may comprise a wetsuit having long legs and long sleeves for the arms. The wetsuit may comprise a wetsuit having short legs and short sleeves, or short legs and no sleeves.

[0024] In another embodiment, the wetsuit or lifejacket of the present invention comprises a lifejacket.

[0025] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

V

[0026] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a prior art back brace presently used by competitors in personal watercraft racing;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a front diagrammatic view of a wetsuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a rear diagrammatic view of the wetsuit shown in figure 2;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a rear view of the wetsuit shown in figure 2;

[0032] Figure 5 shows a close-up view of part of the pouch of the wetsuit shown in figure 4;

[0033] Figure 6 is a view of the wetsuit of figure 4 in a partially inside-out state, to show the closure for the opening to the pouch;

[0034] Figure 7 shows a partial rear view of a wetsuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 shows a rear view of the wetsuit shown in figure 4 with the external flaps being closed;

[0036] Figure 9 shows a rear view of a lifejacket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 shows a rear view of a lifejacket in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 shows a plan view of a foam sheet or foam pad suitable for use as a spinal protection member in one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] Figure 12 is a close-up perspective view from underneath of the foam sheet or foam pad shown in figure 11.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the skilled person will understand that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to features as shown in the attached drawings.

[0041] Figures 2 and 3 show a front view and rear view, respectively, of a wetsuit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The wetsuit 30 includes a front portion 32 that lies adjacent to the chest of a user when the wetsuit is fitted to the user. The wetsuit 30 also includes a rear portion 34 that lies adjacent to the back of the user when the wetsuit is fitted to the user. A hook and loop (Velcro) closure 35 is provided on one shoulder of the wetsuit 30 to facilitate fitting the wetsuit.

[0042] The wetsuit 30 is in the form of a wetsuit john that is essentially sleeveless and has long legs 38 that cover the legs of the wearer down to the ankles. It will be appreciated that the wetsuit 30 could be provided with long sleeves, or short sleeves, or short legs, or any combination thereof, without departing from the present invention.

[0043] The wetsuit 30 is also fitted with a spinal protection member 36. The spinal protection member 36 is removably fitted to the back portion of the wetsuit 30, as shown in figure 2. The spinal protection member 36 is in the form of a shaped sheet of EVA foam. Other flexible, resilient or impact absorbing materials may also be used.

[0044] Figures 4 to 6 a greater detail of how the spinal protection member 36 is fitted to the wetsuit 30. The spinal protection member 36 is removably fitted to the wetsuit 30 in this embodiment. In particular, a pouch made from a stretchable mesh material 40 is formed by sewing the stretchable mesh material 40 to the back portion 34 of the wetsuit 30. The stretchable mesh material 40 is sewn to the back portion of the wetsuit 30 along the periphery 42 of the stretchable mesh material. The stitching that is used to sew the stretchable mesh material 40 to the back portion of the wetsuit 30 can be clearly seen in figures 4 and 5, with the stitching extending around the outer periphery 42 of the stretchable mesh material. The stitching is best shown in figure 5. A close-up view of the stretchable mesh material 40 is also shown in figure 5.

The pouch 44 is defined between the mesh material 40 and the outer surface of the back portion 34 of the wetsuit 30.

[0045] The pouch 44 has an opening that is formed in the material of the back portion 34 of the wetsuit 30. Figure 6 shows the wetsuit 30 in a partially everted or inside-out condition. The inner surface 46 of the back portion 34 of the wetsuit 30 can be seen infigure 6. An opening 48 is formed by cutting a line or slot through the material of the back portion 34 of the wetsuit 30. A zipper 50 is sewn on either side of the opening 48 so that the opening 48 can be selectively opened and closed by the user. A suitable position for the opening 48 is also shown schematically in figure 3.

[0046] When the user wishes to insert the spinal protection member 36 into the pouch 44, the user opens the zipper 50 and inserts the spinal protection member, in the form of the foam pad 36, through the opening 48. As the foam pad 36 is flexible and resilient, it can be deformed to more easily fit through the opening 48. Once the foam pad 36 has been fully inserted into the pouch 44, it can return to its normal shape. Ideally, and as shown in figure 4, the foam pad 36 snugly fits within and closely conforms to the shape of the pouch 44. Once the foam pad 36 has been properly inserted into the pouch 44, the zipper 50 can be closed to thereby ensure that the foam pad 36 is retained within the pouch 44. If the user wishes to remove the foam pad, the zipper 50 can again be operated to open the opening 48 and the user can then remove the foam pad 36 through the opening 48.

[0047] The embodiment of the wetsuit shown in figures 2 to 6 provides the user with the option of using the wetsuit with the foam pad inserted in the pouch or without the foam pad inserted in the pouch. For example, if the user wishes to use the wetsuit for snorkelling, spinal protection is not normally required and the foam pad can be omitted. However, if the user wishes to use the wetsuit in circumstances where spinal protection is required, the user can insert the foam pad into the pouch to thereby provide the requisite degree of spinal protection.

[0048] The stretchable mesh material 40 includes significant opening or apertures and this allows water to rapidly drain out of the pouch 44. The stretchable mesh material 40 comprises a stretchable nylon mesh. Other stretchable materials having a plurality of openings may also be used. For example, a thin neoprene material having a number of apertures formed therein to be used, or a sheet of stretchable rubber material having a number of apertures therein may be used. In some embodiments, the stretchable mesh material provides a degree of transparency so that the spinal protection member can be easily seen when it is inserted. This not only provides a quick visual check to confirm that the spinal protection device has been fitted, it also allows for sponsorship or advertising opportunities to be printed on the spinal protection member.

[0049] Figures 7 and 8 show a wetsuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The wetsuit shown in figures 7 and 8 has a similar arrangement of the pouch 44 and spinal protection member to the wetsuit as shown in figures 2 to 6. However, the wetsuit shown in figures 7 and 8 also includes external flaps 52, 54 having a zip 56 located on their adjacent edges. The external flaps 52, 54 form part of the outer surface of the back portion of the wetsuit. Figure 7 shows the zip 56 opened and the flaps 52 and 54 apart from each other. Figure 8 shows the flaps 52, 54 having their inner edges adjacent to each other and the zip 56 being closed. In this embodiment, the flaps 52, 54 cover the pouch 44. The flaps 52, 54 may be made from thin neoprene or from an elastane material.

[0050] Figure 9 shows a rear view of a life jacket 60 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The life jacket 60 is of generally conventional design and construction and has a back portion 62. A pouch 64 is formed by sewing a stretchable mesh material 66 to the outer surface of the back portion 62. The pouch 64 has an opening 68 through which the protective spinal member or device (not shown) can be inserted and removed, as required. A zipper 70 is used to open and close the opening 68.

[0051] It will be understood that the location of the opening and zipper of the pouch 64 shown in figure 9 can also be used in the pouch 44 shown in the wetsuit of the embodiments of figures 2 to 6. Further, although figure 9 shows the zipper and opening extending in a vertical direction, it could extend in a horizontal direction or indeed in any direction, and it could be located adjacent an edge of the pouch or away from the edge of the pouch, as is illustrated in figure 9.

[0052] Figure 10 shows another embodiment in which a life jacket 80 having a back portion 82 has a spinal protection device 84 fixedly attached thereto. The spinal protection device 84 comprises a foam backing 16 having a plurality of rigid plates 18, 20 affixed to the foam backing 16. The spinal protection device 84 is essentially identical to the spinal protection device/back brace 10 shown in figure 1, except that the shoulder straps 10, 12 and the waist strap 14 of the back brace shown in figure 1 are omitted. The foam backing 16 may be affixed to the back portion 82 of the life jacket 80 by sewing, gluing, ultrasonic welding, or the like. In this embodiment, the spinal protection device 84 is effectively permanently fixed to the life jacket.

[0053] Figures 11 and 12 show a close-up view of the foam sheet or foam pad 36 used in the embodiments shown in figures 2 to 8. The foam sheet or foam pad 36 comprises a pad of EVA

_U

foam having the outline shape as shown in figure 11 and the thickness of approximately 20 mm. The foam pad 36 may have a plurality of projecting bosses or projections 86 on one or both sides in order to assist in dissipating impact forces applied to the foam pad. The projecting bosses or projections 86 may be arranged in a wavelike pattern, as best shown in figure 11, which can assist in improving the flexibility of the foam pad 36.

[0054] It will be appreciated that the foam pad 36 extends across areas of the spine and back of the user in order to provide the desired degree of spinal protection.

[0055] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0056] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0057] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A wetsuit or a life jacket, the wetsuit or life jacket having a front portion that lies adjacent a chest of a wearer during use and a back portion that lies adjacent a back of the wearer during use, wherein a spinal protection member or device is attached to or carried by the back portion of the wetsuit or life jacket.

2. A wetsuit or a life jacket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spinal protection member or device is fixedly attached to the back portion.

3. A wetsuit or a life jacket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spinal protection member or device is removably attached to the back portion.

4. A wetsuit or life jacket as claimed in claim 3 wherein the back portion includes a pouch or pocket and the spinal protection member or device is received in the pouch or pocket.

5. A wetsuit or a life jacket as claimed in claim 4 wherein the pouch or pocket is provided with a closure to selectively open and close an opening to the pouch or pocket.